MMA Preview – Islam Makhachev vs Dustin Poirier at UFC 302
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ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS DUSTIN POIRIER FACTS
When is UFC 302? Sunday 1st June, 2024 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 302? Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 302? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 302
What channel is UFC 302 on? TNT Sports 1
Where can I stream UFC 302? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS DUSTIN POIRIER LOWDOWN
The pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev (25-1) heads to New Jersey to make the third defence of his crown. He has only defended it against a featherweight so far, but that was against the best 145 pounder of all time in Alexander Volkanovski. The Aussie gave him his toughest test at UFC 284 but then shut the rivalry down with an emphatic head kick knockout in the first round at UFC 294. Those wins extended his immense streak to 13 cementing his status as the best fighter in the world.
He gives Dustin Poirier (30-8(1)) his final opportunity at claiming the gold. After getting submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov (2019) in his first attempt, he went on to beat Dan Hooker (2020) and Conor McGregor twice (2021). That led to his second attempt, but he got submitted again, this time by Charles Oliveira (2021). He responded with a submission of his own against Michael Chandler (2022) but then Justin Gaethje (2023) inflicted the most devastating knockout of his career. However, in true Poirier fashion he bounced back once again by knocking out the surging Benoit Saint Denis (2024) at UFC 299.
ISLAM MAKHACHEV VS DUSTIN POIRIER PREDICTION
We have to expect the best version of Poirier in his last attempt at his life goal. However, it is hard to see that being enough to topple the champion. Makhachev has the best grappling in the division and now everyone knows how good his striking has become.
Poirier’s only realistic chance is to knock him out. The longer Makhachev decides to stand, the more likely that will be. Despite the fact that he knocked out Volkanovski and downed Charles Oliveira, Poirier is a more dangerous striker, and the champ will have no right in brawling with him.
The blueprint to beating Poirier is there and Makhachev has the skill set to follow it. We expect him to be able to take him down and find a submission. Poirier will make him work very hard and is likely to get back to his feet, but Makhachev will persistently grind him down and force open a submission.
He is a colossal favourite, and it is hard to see him lose, but Poirier has a chance. We can see Makhachev having the ego to try and find a knockout on the feet and Poirier will also pounce on a guillotine when the head hit his hip.
Makhachev is too good to make the mistake of not taking the fight to the ground or leaving his neck exposed for too long, but he is human, and Poirier is a beast which makes a punt attractive.
Prediction: Makhachev via Submission
Value Bet: Poirier to win
